Eden Test prolonged my career as India coach: Wright

The historic 2001 Eden Test win over the mighty Australia prolonged his career as the India coach, feels John Wright.

Written by Press Trust of India

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Kolkata:

The historic 2001 Eden Test win over the mighty Australia prolonged his career as the India coach, feels John Wright.

The New Zealander still recalls the moments when Team India, led by Sourav Ganguly, managed a dramatic victory over Steve Waugh's Australia at the Eden Gardens nine years ago.

"When in Kolkata, I always remember the amazing 2001 Test against Australia," Wright said on the sidelines of a promotional programme here.

"From a shorter one, it made my stint longer. The way Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman batted (in the epic Test), I can never forget the match. The best part was the crowd, they were just unbelievable. It was an amazing Test match," Wright said.

Wright, who was in the hot seat from November 2000-April 2005, guided India to the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking about Ganguly, Wright opined that the former India captain did well with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Asked with Ganguly doing well if he can come back from his retirement, Wright said: "It's up to the selectors, you have domestic tournaments -- like Ranji, Duleep Trophy -- in place. To play for India, you have to come through that.

"Sourav is the best person to answer this. But personally I think, he has probably passed that stage," he said.

"Sourav had a very good IPL this season. It seems he has worked very hard towards fitness. Especially, when you are the captain of a side it's always good to lead from the front and he has done that this season with some remarkable performances," Wright said.

"I have got a lot of good memories with him. I was very fortunate to work with the Indian side. It's nice to be back in Kolkata. I am looking forward to meet him and will see if he supports this venture," Wright said, while launching a scholarship scheme for the Indian students to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill, New Zealand.

Asked to compare current captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with Ganguly, he said: "Obviously, Sourav is my favourite as we have worked together closely. But that does not mean Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not well. He (Dhoni) has been very impressive in leading Team India."

On the upcoming ICC World T20 in West Indies, Wright said that there was no clear favourite and the tournament will see cut-throat competition.

"Such is the format of the tournament that nobody knows who actually stands up. Probably, it will be a competition among five-six teams and the early momentum will help. You need to start well and develop a momentum."

The former opening batsman also had his take on the raging controversy surrounding IPL and said as the tournament is hugely popular, there needs to be a strong governing force.